Austin Navarro sentenced to 25 years for murder of 2-year-old child

Navarro convicted of 2nd degree murder; received a 25-year sentence based on aggravating factors

December 12, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — Yesterday, a Freeborn County court has sentenced Austin Navarro to 25 years in prison for the July 2023 murder of his then girlfriend’s 2-year-old child.  Navarro also received a concurrent 32-month sentence for physically assaulting his 12-week-old son.  Navarro entered pleas of guilty to 2nd degree murder and 3rd degree assault on September 18, 2024.  The presumptive sentence for 2nd degree murder under the sentencing guidelines in this case was 240 months, but the court imposed a 300-month sentence under the plea agreement based on aggravating factors that included Navarro’s position of authority over the child, the victim’s particularly vulnerable age, and Navarro’s particular cruelty in inflicting the injuries.  

On the morning of July 6, 2023, Austin Navarro physically assaulted two young children while they were in his care.  At the plea hearing, Navarro admitted he punched and kicked both children multiple times. The 2-year-old child sustained multiple blunt force injuries, including broken ribs, a lacerated liver, and a traumatic brain injury.  Despite extensive life-saving efforts, the toddler died the same day.  The 12-week-old infant survived the assault but sustained several injuries to his head and body, including fractured ribs. 

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of Freeborn County Attorney David Walker under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.”

“My heart goes out Austin Navarro’s victims, as well as their families. While nothing can undo the pain Navarro caused, I hope that Navarro’s conviction is able to bring them some measure of solace,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “My Office will continue working to improve public safety across our state by partnering with county attorneys and prosecuting criminals who pose a danger to their fellow Minnesotans.”

Attorney General Ellison thanks the Albert Lea Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this crime.